The service was led by the Reverend Desmond Jaddoo who told those gathered at the cathedral.

Darren Cumberbatch

Darren’s mother and sister thanked all those that had come, before Charlie Williams from the Justice4Daz campaign said: “Today is about Darren, his family, his friends and his supporters.

“When myself and Desmond got the news about Darren, we got to Carla’s house within days. But by the time we did, I felt Darren was a best friend to me from all of your comments about him and the type of person he was.

“I was blown away by all these people telling me about him. It shows what a special guy he was.”

Speaking of the circumstances around Darren’s death, Charlie also called for the immediate suspension of the police officers involved and said they will continue to fight for that.

Candlelit vigil for Darren Cumberbatch at Coventry Cathedral

The Rev Dr David Stone, Sub Dean of the cathedral, read out a letter from the Bishop of Coventry, the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth.

It read: “Dear Darren’s family, friends and those standing with you during the hard days of grief and pain. I know that your grief is very deep at the tragic loss of someone so dear to you who has so much of life to live.

“I know your grief is made more painful by the circumstances of his death and your want to know fuller details.

“You stand today in the ruins of the old cathedral - a place that suffered.

“You also stand on the site of the new cathedral, rising from the ashes of despair - a statement in stone of the power of the light and love of God.

“I pray that you may find the hope that God gives to all who reach out.”